Nuclear Medicine Scan of Gastric - Scan Gastric Emptying Scan Item 2
This is a specialized nuclear medicine gastrointestinal imaging test that uses a small amount of safe radioactive tracer to measure the rate at which food moves from your stomach into your small intestine. This specific scan is the second component of a standard gastric emptying series, requires no special patient preparation, takes 10 minutes to complete, and does not use contrast dye or involve an enclosed scanner that could trigger claustrophobia.
This 10-minute second-part gastric emptying nuclear medicine scan uses a low-dose radioactive tracer to measure how quickly your stomach empties food into your small intestine, with no special preparation needed and no claustrophobia risk.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- nuclear
- Body part
- abdomen · gastric
- Ionizing radiation
- true
- Radiation dose
- 6
- Duration (min)
- 10
- Pregnancy safe
- false
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- none
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- LOINC
- 39891-4
- SNOMED
- 241439007
- Result turnaround
- 24h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- moderate
What Is a Gastric Emptying Scan (Item 2)?
This test is a targeted nuclear medicine imaging exam focused on the gastrointestinal (GI) system, specifically the stomach, that uses a tiny, safe amount of radioactive tracer attached to a small standardized meal (such as egg whites and toast) you will consume prior to the scan. The tracer emits low levels of radiation that a specialized gamma camera detects to track how quickly your stomach breaks down and moves the food into your small intestine. This specific exam is the second scan in a standard multi-part gastric emptying series, takes 10 minutes to complete, requires no special preparation beforehand, does not use contrast dye, and does not involve an enclosed scanner so there is no risk of triggering claustrophobia.
Clinical Applications for Gastrointestinal Conditions
This scan is used to diagnose and evaluate GI conditions that impact normal stomach motility, including gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, often linked to long-term diabetes, post-surgical nerve damage, or use of certain medications like opioids), chronic unexplained nausea, vomiting, and persistent abdominal bloating. It can also be used to assess how well treatments for stomach motility disorders are working, or to evaluate abnormal stomach emptying in patients who have had recent gastric surgery or who are suspected of having intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by radiologist.
What Is This Procedure?
This nuclear medicine scan evaluates gastric, specifically stomach. Uses controlled radiation to create detailed images.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of stomach. Part of the gastrointestinal system.
Common Uses
This exam is commonly used to detect abnormalities, guide treatments, and monitor known conditions.
What to Expect
The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Severe pain at procedure site
urgentWorsening severe pain with fever or other symptoms. Go to urgent care or ER.
Mild symptoms after procedure
promptMild discomfort or symptoms that don't improve. Contact your doctor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy